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Mar
3
Mobile Comms Must Have
As some of us have learned the hard way, if you can't communicate you can't execute. And one of my favorite gadgets to help maintain communications on the road is the battery powered 3G Router from Cradlepoint. It has saved me on more than one occasion from being in a comms black hole. And if you travel a bunch the cost of 3G will pay for itself - trust me.
Here's a link to some more info on the PHS300. And while you are there you might want to bookmark the site. I find EVDOinfo to be very helpful. You can also find some good comparisons to other devices.
http://www.evdoinfo.com/content/view/2201/63/
My experience...
I have had the PHS300 since it was released, which has to be at least a year now? I have used it with a Verizon USB modem, Blackberry Curve, and ATT USB modem (pictured). It's all pretty much plug and play. Plug in your device turn the router on and wait for about 10 seconds. Once the connection is made you will have a wireless cloud sharing a 3G/EVDO connection. There are settings just like any other wireless router, so you can secure it with WEP/WPA2 among other options. I have had problems with some older Windows machines and WPA2. But you can also leave the wireless encryption off and require a log in via the router's built in portal. Some people have reported faster speeds with the router vice connecting the modem direct to a PC/Mac - I am not sure about that but it has saved me in situations where I want to remote the modem closer to a window/better signal and work elsewhere in the room (like a desk instead of window ledge). I do keep it plugged in to A/C power whenever I can, but the built battery will give you about two hours if you need it. And it's just a cell phone battery, so if you want a spare to extend that time it's easy enough to swap.
And did I mention this is a great way to make friends? I have been to a few conferences/workshops that did not have a wireless connection, so starting the router and sharing your connection can make people very happy.
If you are a mobile communications junky I would put this in your gear bag.
Enjoy,
Coby
Comments
Thanks for sharing that
Thanks for sharing that really helpful.
kate
PHS300? Accessorize!
The PHS300 has nifty accessories like an automobile power adapter, a soft carrying case (complete with a separate pocket for your usb modem) and extra batteries. If you would like a unit that allows more people to share the connection the PSH300 has siblings! Take a look at the product line at www.cradlepointstore.com. (No, I do'nt work for the company, but I have found this little gem to be any important travel companion.)
Some USB modem software throttles the usb unit so that the connectivity is reduced, using the modem without the software takes away the soft throttle and thus provides a faster connection. My usb modem's software introduced an annoying error message on my PC that persisted whether or not the usb was plugged in. Removing the software was the only way I could get rid of the error message. Given that I am never certain what computer will go on a trip with me the PHS300 takes care of the problem of not having the right software (buggy as it may be) installed into the laptop that you are using.
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